mouth cleaning device

ABSTRACT

Certain embodiments provide toothbrushes and/or other cleaning devices for contacting and cleaning teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, and orthodontic appliance in an oral cavity. Certain embodiments provide a mouth cleaning device. The device includes a handle portion for holding and maneuvering the mouth cleaning device in an oral cavity. The device also includes a cleaning head portion including a core and a plurality of cleaning elements extending radially around the core, the core attached to the handle portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/987,410, filed on Nov. 13, 2007; No. 60/911,899,filed on Apr. 15, 2007; No. 60/895,683, filed on Mar. 19, 2007; No.60/895,669, filed on Mar. 19, 2007; No. 60/987,409, filed on Nov. 13,2007, 60/979,405, filed on Oct. 12, 2007; and No. 60/911,901, filed onApr. 15, 2007, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to design and use of a tooth andgum cleaning device. More particularly, the present invention relates todesign and use of improved toothbrush devices for cleaning teeth, gums,and/or orthodontic appliances.

BACKGROUND

People without fixed orthodontic appliances may find conventionaltoothbrushes adequate in removing plaque. However, orthodontic patientswith fixed devices, such as braces, face unique challenges in theremoval of plaque around these devices and the surrounding teeth andgingiva or gums. It is not uncommon for the level of plaque removal inthese types of patients to be unacceptable, as the presence of fixedorthodontic appliances prevents conventional toothbrushes from reachingareas around and under the devices where plaque accumulates. A greatdeal of manual dexterity is therefore required on the part of thepatient to properly remove plaque using a conventional toothbrush. Theconsequences of improper dental care may include various forms of toothdecay. Therefore, there is a need for a toothbrush that can removeplaque that is inaccessible or difficult to reach with a conventionaltoothbrush in the home or within a dental care practitioner's office.

Further, different areas of the mouth involve different types ofcleaning. Different tooth and gum locations in the mouth, such as mesial(e.g., situated toward the middle of the front of the jaw along thecurve of the dental arch), distal (e.g., situated farthest from themiddle and front of the jaw, as with a tooth or tooth surface), proximal(e.g., a surface of a tooth facing a centerline of the palate),interproximal (e.g., between the proximal surfaces of adjoining teeth),interdental (e.g., of or relating to the relationship between theproximal surfaces of teeth of the same arch), etc., can benefit fromdifferent brush configurations. Gingiva or gums are divided intomarginal (e.g., surrounding a tooth), attached, and interdental areas,each involving different exposure and access considerations.

Current interdental brushes are specialized devices designed only toclean between teeth by pushing a flat protrusion between the teeth in anaction similar to flossing. Interdental brushes may be inserted whenorthodontal devices are in place on the teeth. However, such interdentalbrushes are only somewhat effective in cleaning and do not reach allareas of teeth and gums. Additionally, such brushes fail to clean aroundand in the orthodontal devices. Conventional proximal brushes attempt toclean outward tooth surfaces and are rendered less effective by thepresence of orthodontic appliances, such as dental braces, which deflector push aside bristles, thus preventing or at least reducing cleaning inand around the orthodontic appliance and affected tooth and gum areas.

Luposello U.S. Pat. No. 5,537,708 discloses one known toothbrush for usein cleaning an orthodontic appliance that includes a head having aplurality of upwardly extending bristles. Two elongate brush membersperpendicularly overlie the plurality of bristles. Both of the elongatebrush members include an unattached end for insertion betweenorthodontic wires and an opposing end that is connected to a handle ofthe toothbrush. Luposello does not disclose any upwardly extendingbristles that display omnidirectional cleaning capabilities, nor are anyof the upwardly extending bristles combined with horizontally orvertically extending omnidirectional cleaning members in the samecleaning plane.

Massetti U.S. Pat. No. 4,317,463 discloses another known toothbrush thatcomprises a handle with a cleaning portion on one end thereof. Thecleaning portion includes opposing side members having one or more swabsextending transversely therebetween. The swab members are rotatable andinclude a plurality of bristles extending therefrom. Massetti describessuch rotatable swabs and does not contemplate utilizing non-rotatablecleaning elements. Rotatable cleaning elements slip on the surface to becleaned, such as a tooth or orthodontic appliance surface. Rotatingtends to bend the bristles, rather than keeping them relativelystraight. Bent bristles do not reach pockets between teeth for thoroughcleaning. Additionally, rotating bristles form a curve around the toothrather than effectively contacting and cleaning the tooth andsurrounding tissue/spaces. Further, the rigid side members holding theswabs with transversely extending bristles are not as effective inorienting the bristles between the teeth, gingiva, and orthodonticappliances, as toothbrushes with more resilient, i.e., elasticallydeformable, holding elements are.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments provide toothbrushes and/or other cleaning devicesfor contacting and cleaning teeth, gums, cheeks, tongue, and orthodonticappliances in an oral cavity.

Certain embodiments provide a mouth cleaning device. The device includesa handle portion for holding and maneuvering the mouth cleaning devicein an oral cavity. The device also includes a cleaning head portionattached to the handle portion and including two parallel legs eachhaving a plurality of cleaning elements projecting multi-directionallyfrom the leg.

Certain embodiments provide a toothbrush for cleaning an oral cavity andassociated orthodontic appliances. The toothbrush includes an elongatedhandle. The toothbrush also includes a cleaning head connected to andextending from one end of the handle. The cleaning head includes aplurality of cleaning elements extending from a core of the cleaninghead to form a plurality of substantially circular arrangements aroundthe core. The cleaning head is arranged to provide a plurality oflengths of the core at angles to one another. Each length includescleaning elements for cleaning of different areas of teeth, tissue, andorthodontic appliances in the oral cavity.

Certain embodiments provide an oral and orthodontic appliance cleaningdevice. The device includes a handle. The device also includes abrushing head including a core and a plurality of bristles extendingradially from the core to form a plurality of substantially circularbristle patterns around the core. The plurality of bristles is arrangedto contact and assist in cleaning of teeth, tissue, and orthodonticappliances in an oral cavity through manipulation of the handle to guidethe brushing head. The brushing head is arranged to reach over teeth tocontact tissue and tooth surface behind posterior teeth in an oralcavity as well as clean with respect to the orthodontic appliance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like part throughout the drawings. Theembodiments shown in the drawings are presented for purposes ofillustration only. It should be understood, however, that the presentinvention is not limited to the arrangements and features shown in theattached drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an example of an oral cavity including distal areas ofposterior teeth and mesial and distal areas of an edentulous portion ofthe oral cavity.

FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary mesial-distal cleaners according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 illustrate positioning of a mesial-distal cleaner withrespect to areas of an oral cavity in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates adjusting or angling of a neck portion of a cleaningdevice in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary mouth cleaning device according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 depict different view of a mouth cleaning device headin accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows various applications of a mouth cleaning device to cleanteeth and gums in an oral cavity in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a configuration of a mouth cleaning device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates alternative configurations of a mouth cleaningdevice in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 depict mouth cleaning device tip configurationsaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 17 a variety of neck configurations according to certainembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates a mouth cleaning device including two parallel,unconnected legs in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 19, 20, 21, and 22 show a plurality of views of a toothbrushincluding a wire twist brush loop added to a conventional toothbrush inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 23, 24 and 25 illustrate positioning and access to different toothand gum areas of a mouth by a toothbrush with wire twist brush loopadded to a conventional toothbrush in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 26 illustrates examples of wire twist brush loop shapes inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 27 shows a removably attachable wire twist brush loop according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 28, 29, and 30 illustrate various attachments of a wire twistbrush loop to a toothbrush body in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 31 illustrates a plurality of wire twist brush loop configurationsaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 32 illustrates modified toothbrush body accepting a wire twistbrush loop according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 shows examples of a wire twist brush loop structure according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38 illustrate exemplary wire twist brushesadded to the body of toothbrushes and positioned with respect to thebody in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 39 illustrates a removable mechanism for attaching a wire twistbrush to a toothbrush body in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 40 illustrates embedded ends of a wire twist brush in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 41 illustrates an example of an auxiliary tooth cleaning deviceattached to a toothbrush in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 42 illustrates an exemplary oral cavity cleaning device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 43 shows exemplary variations in head and bristle design accordingto embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 44 depicts variations of a tip of a cleaning head in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 45 shows examples of variations of an angle or bend in a cleaninghead according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 46 demonstrates variations in a neck of an oral cavity cleaningdevice according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 47 shows examples of bends in a head and neck according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 48 illustrates an orientation of exemplary brushes in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 49 shows some examples of brush cross-sections in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments provide tooth, orthodontic appliance, gingival(gum), tongue, and/or cheek cleaning devices. Certain embodimentsprovide an oral cleaning device including a plurality of bristlesarranged to contact surfaces of teeth and gums as well as going aroundand under braces or other orthodontic appliances rather than beingdeflected away from the orthodontic appliances. Non-rotating cleaningelements are better suited to cleaning teeth, gingiva, other oral tissue(e.g., tongue and cheek), and orthodontic appliances at least in partbecause the cleaning elements do not slip on the surface to be cleaned.Certain embodiments provide cleaning devices for reaching teeth, gums,tongue, cheek, and orthodontic appliances in proximal, interproximal,interdental, and/or other areas. Cleaning elements may be used to cleanteeth, tongue, cheek, and gums, as well as reaching between, inside,and/or around wires, undercuts, and/or other areas of orthodonticappliances (such as dental braces), for example.

A cleaning device can be constructed to include a cleaning portion orhead and a handle. The head and handle can be connected by a neck, forexample. In certain embodiments, the cleaning device handle and head areformed using conventional injection molding techniques. In certainembodiments, a cleaning device may be fabricated from multiplecomponents. Bristles and/or other cleaning elements may be attached tothe head by gluing, tying, stapling, thermoforming, fusion, welding,etc. Cleaning elements, head, and handle may also be jointly formedusing a single- or multiple-step injection molding process, for example.

In certain embodiments, bristles and/or other cleaning elements in thedevice head may be formed from wire strands, microfibers, thermoplasticmaterial, such as a co-polymer or synthetic polymer (e.g., nylon orpolyester), and the like. Thickness and/or length of bristles and/orother cleaning elements may be varied based on desired oral contactarea, cleaning abrasiveness, and/or other criterion, for example. Invarious embodiments, a number of cleaning elements, such as primary,secondary, and/or omnidirectional cleaning elements, may be provided.

In certain embodiments, brushing or cleaning elements, such as bristles,contact areas around and under orthodontic appliances, such as dentalbraces, rather than being deflected away from the braces. In certainembodiments, bristles reach around and/or behind teeth to access andclean hard-to-reach portions of teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums in themouth to clean plaque and other debris. The brushing head is arranged toreach over teeth to contact tissue and tooth surface behind posteriorteeth, for example, in an oral cavity as well as clean with respect tothe orthodontic appliance.

In a variety of configurations, many of which are described below,cleaning elements formed in a head portion may be arranged in asubstantially or approximately curved arc or angled U- or V-shape formedby a core/neck around which bristles radially extend to formsubstantially circular cleaning elements. The core/neck is attached oraffixed to the handle. The cleaning head may be implemented at a varietyof angles. The cleaning head may lie in the same plane as the handleportion of the device and/or may be positioned in a different plane(e.g., extending upward and outward at a certain angle from the handle).In certain embodiments, angles may be introduced into the head toprovide cleaning elements within multiple planes in the head portion.For example, a proximal portion of the head may be positioned insubstantially the same plane as the head portion while a distal portionof the head angles upward to a plane substantially parallel to the planeof the distal portion of the head.

Certain embodiments describing variations in oral cleaning device designand use will be provided in more detail below.

Mesial-Distal Cleaner

Posterior teeth (teeth located in the back of the mouth) and relatedgums, as well as mesial and/or distal areas of the edentulous (i.e.,toothless or tooth-free) section of the mouth, are very hard to cleanand are therefore prone to contract periodontal disease. With commonlyavailable tooth brushes, even using different bristle heights andvarious angles of bristle projection, it is challenging to clean theseareas of the mouth. Current interdental brushes and conventionaltoothbrushes are designed in such a way that it is not efficient toclean these problem areas. Certain embodiments provide a Mesial-DistalCleaner designed to improve cleaning the distal area of the end tooth ofthe dentition (i.e., the arrangement of teeth in the mouth) as well asthe mesial and distal areas of the edentulous section. For purposes ofillustration, FIG. 1 provides an example of distal areas of theposterior teeth, and mesial and distal areas of a toothless oredentulous portion of a mouth.

A Mesial-Distal Cleaner 200 includes a head 210, a neck 220, and ahandle 230. The head 210 includes a core with bristles projectingmulti-directionally, such as but not limited to a twisted wire brush, acylinder brush or other similarly shaped device made of a plastic orrubbery material having bristles or similar cleaning elements extendingfrom a core in a substantially circular pattern, for example. FIG. 2shows some examples of the mesial-distal cleaner device in accordancewith certain embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2,the device 200 has a section of the head 210 that is perpendicular tothe long axis of the handle 230 (indicated as “A” in FIG. 2). Section Aof the head 210 is used to clean the mesial and distal areas describedabove (as shown, for example, in FIG. 3). The head 210 also includes asection (labeled “B” in FIG. 2), which helps to reduce contact betweenthe teeth and the core and which can be used to clean the lingual areaof the front teeth (e.g., the tooth area close to the tongue, as shown,for example, in FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 5, the device 200 reaches thedistal surfaces of a tooth, gum tissue near the distal surface of thetooth, and between the gum tissue and the distal surface of the tooth.The device 200 can also be used to clean a surface of the tongue and/orcheeks. FIG. 6 demonstrates that the neck portion 210 of the cleanerdevice 200 can be bent by a user to facilitate access to difficult areasof teeth and gums and to make brushing more comfortable.

In operation, for example, a user grasps the handle 230 of the cleaningdevice 200 and uses both sections A and B of the head 210 to reach andclean varying areas of the teeth and gums. Bristles in the head 210 alsoallow for contact with teeth to clean surfaces of posterior teeth andtissue behind them, for example. The configuration of the bristlesextending radially around a core of the head 210 and a distribution ofthe head 210 as shown in sections A and B helps to facilitate suchcleaning for the benefit of the user.

Mouth Cleaning Device

Certain embodiments provide a variation on a mouth cleaning device. AMouth Cleaning Device (MCD) 700 includes a head 710, a neck 720, and ahandle 730. The head 710 includes a core with bristles projectingmulti-directionally, such as but not limited to a wire brush. The wirebrush can be replaced with a cylinder brush or other similar shapeddevice made of a rubbery or plastic material, for example.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary MCD 700 with a head 710, a neck 720, anda handle 730. FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 depict different views of the head 710illustrated from viewpoint a in FIG. 7, viewpoint b in FIG. 8, andviewpoint c in FIG. 10. FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 show various examples of MCD700 configurations. The bristle lengths can be uniform or variable tofacilitate a better access to areas between teeth, around the braces,and between teeth and gums, for example. The wire brush can be bent suchthat the bristles can approach the tooth surfaces, areas between theteeth, and gums more easily. FIG. 11 shows various applications of theMCD 700 to clean teeth and gums, for example.

The neck 720 connects the bristle portion or head 710 to the handle 730.FIG. 12 demonstrates that two ends of the wire brush can be joinedtogether before the brush head 710 is embedded into the handle 730. FIG.13 shows that two ends of the wire brush can be embedded separately intothe handle 730. FIG. 14 illustrates a device 700 configuration whereinonly one end 720 of the wire brush 710 is embedded into the handle 730,and the other end can accommodate other tooth cleaning devices. In FIG.15, an interproximal toothbrush 740 is configured into the tip of theloose end of the MCD 700 with shorter bristles. The interproximaltoothbrush portion 740 can be made of thinner wire and/or bristles withdifferent stiffness and/or lengths, for example. Examples of otheraccessory cleaning devices are shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 17 demonstratesthat the neck 720 can be straight, curved or bent to connect the head710 to the handle 730 in various dimensions. The length of the neck 720can vary and it can appear as an extension of the handle 730, forexample. The handle 730 can be straight or curved for ease of use asseen in commercially available toothbrushes. FIG. 18 illustrates avariation of the MCD 700 wherein the two parallel wire legs 712, 714 donot connect at the tip.

In certain embodiments, the head 710 and/or neck 720 can be adjusted orbent by a user to achieve the comfort and/or efficiency of his or herchoosing. The wire portion of the head 710 can include plastic shieldsand/or other coating to reduce discomfort and/or to protect teeth orsoft tissue in the event of contact, for example.

In operation, for example, a user grasps the handle 730 and manipulatesthe head 710 in an oral cavity to access teeth, tongue, cheeks, and/orgums using the plurality of bristles extending along the length of thehead 710. The configuration of the head 710 allows the user to accessand clean interproximal areas of the teeth, gums, and cheek, as well asother areas of the oral cavity including in and around orthodonticappliances.

Wire Twist Brush Loop Toothbrush

In certain embodiments, a bendable Wire Twist Brush (WTB) loop is addedto a commercially available toothbrush to allow better and easier accessto an inside arch of the upper and lower anterior teeth and the back ofthe most posterior teeth.

In certain embodiments, a WTB loop 1910 can be attached to a toothbrushhead 1920 as shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20. A three dimensional drawingis shown in FIG. 21. As indicated in FIG. 19, the loop 1910 may beconfigured to move and be adjustable in a variety of positions withrespect to the brush head 1920 in order to contact desired areas in themouth.

In certain embodiments, the WTB loop 1910 can be bent easily with fingerpressure. Depending on the position of the WTB loop 1910, it can accessspecific areas of the mouth more easily. For example, as shown in FIG.22, the WTB loop 1910 allows typical brushing using the head 1920without interference from the loop 1910. As positioned in FIG. 23, theWTB loop 1910 can access an inside arch of the upper and lower anteriorteeth. In FIG. 24, the WTB loop 1910 is positioned to access a backsurface of the most posterior teeth. As shown in FIG. 25, bristles ofthe WTB loop 1910 can be positioned to access inside corners between theteeth.

Thus, depending on the preference and manual dexterity of the user, theposition of the WTB loop 1910 can be adjusted at varying angles.

In certain embodiments, the shape of the WTB loop 1910 can be alteredthree dimensionally with finger pressure to enhance cleaning and contactin the mouth based on user preference. Examples are shown in FIG. 26.

In certain embodiments, the bendable WTB loop 1910 can be removable fromits position on the toothbrush head 1920. As an example, in FIG. 27,tips 1930 of the loop 1910 can include an attachment or male portion andthe brush body 1920 can include one or more receptacle or femaleportions 1940 to accept the loop tips 1930. The female part(s) 1940 maybe adjustable, for example, to accept the tips 1930 of the loop 1910.

Female parts 1940 can be placed anywhere on the brush body 1920. Thefemale or receptacle parts can be designed in such a way that theposition of the WTB loop 1910 can be adjusted and locked in a desiredposition.

In order to be used with a commercially available toothbrush without areceptacle or attachment point, the WTB loop 1910 can be shaped, forexample, as shown in FIG. 28. An exemplary method of assembly is shownin FIG. 29. Two ends 1930 of the device 1910 can be used to fasten thedevice 1910 securely to the plastic body 1920. The loose ends 1930 arebent close to the plastic body 1910 to avoid interfering with regularbrushing.

In certain embodiments, tips 1930 of the WTB loop 1910 can be embeddedsecurely in the brush body 1920 to prevent the loop 1910 from coming outdespite being bent back and forth for usage and storage. Examples ofshapes of the tips 1930 of the WTB loop 1910 to enhance anchorage in thebody 1920 are shown in FIG. 30.

In certain embodiments, the WTB loop 1910 can be used independentlywithout being combined with a commercially available toothbrush (see,e.g., FIG. 31). More than one WTB loop 1910 can be used with a handle1920, such as a wire brush loop in a plastic handle.

As illustrated, for example, in FIG. 32, the body or handle 1920 of atoothbrush 1900 can be modified to accept the ends 1930 of the WTB loop1910 in order to locate the WTB loop 1910 in different areas of thebrush 1900.

In certain embodiments, a variety of similar devices (e.g., a core withlaterally projecting spurs having uniform and/or variable lengths) canbe substituted for the WTB loop 1910. Flexibility can be built into thematerial for the loop itself and/or in the assembly structure. Examplesare shown in FIG. 33.

In operation, for example, both the loop 1910 and the toothbrush head1920 can be used to clean areas of the mouth. A user can position theloop 1910 with respect to the head 1920 to access back surfaces ofposterior teeth, as well as inside arches of the upper and loweranterior teeth. The wire brush loop 1910 can be used in conjunction withthe brushing head 1920 to clean teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, andorthodontic appliances through various positioning and movement.

Teeth Cleaning Device

In certain embodiments, a Wire Twist Brush (WTB) 3410 may be added tothe body 3420 of a commercially available toothbrush 3400 as shown inFIG. 34. When not in use, the WTB 3410 can be tucked or bent down andheld near the brush body 3420 under a hook 3450 (indicated, for example,by position A in FIG. 34 and also shown in FIG. 35). A user may take outthe brush 3410 when the brush 3410 is to be used (indicated, forexample, by B position in FIG. 34).

The hook 3450, under which the WTB 3410 can be positioned, may be formedof a solid material such as a metal or plastic (such as the samematerial as the plastic body of the toothbrush). Examples of the hook3450 are shown in FIG. 36.

In certain embodiments, the WTB 3410 can be positioned anywhere on thebrush body 3420. Some examples are provided in FIG. 37.

In certain embodiments, the brush body 3420 (e.g., a plastic brush bodyor handle) can be modified slightly to lower a profile of the WTB 3410and/or to prevent the WTB 3410 from interfering with typical brushingwith body bristles when the WTB 3410 is not being used. As examples,FIG. 38 illustrates a first embodiment wherein the WTB 3410 ispositioned in a recess or depression 3460 in the body 3420 and a secondembodiment wherein the WTB 3410 is positioned behind a protrusion 3470of the body 3420.

In certain embodiments, an attachment mechanism to attach the WTB 3410to the body 3420 can be fixed and/or removable. In a fixed mechanism, abristle-less end of the WTB 3410 is embedded in the toothbrush body3420. In a removable mechanism, the WTB 3410 can be attached to the body3420 via male/female connection (see, e.g., FIG. 39). Other removablefastening mechanisms can be used.

In certain alternative embodiments, an embedded end 3430 of the WTB 3410(without bristle) is anchored in the body 3410 mechanically so that theend 3430 is secure when the WTB 3410 is being bent back and forth.Examples are shown in FIG. 40.

In certain embodiments, other types of auxiliary tooth cleaning devicecan be attached to a commercially available toothbrush in a manner asexplained above. An example is shown in FIG. 41.

In operation, for example, bristles on the brush body 3420 may be usedto clean teeth, gums, and other areas in an oral cavity. The WTB 3410can be positioned to additionally clean between and around teeth,orthodontic appliances, tongue, cheeks, etc., in the user's mouth. Thus,the body bristles and wire brush compliment each other to provide athorough cleaning.

Oral Cavity Cleaning Device

Certain embodiments provide an Oral Cavity Cleaning Device (OCCD)including a head, a neck and a handle.

FIG. 42 illustrates an exemplary OCCD 4200 in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. The OCCD 4200 includes a head 4210,a neck 4220, and a handle 4230. The head 4210 can be made of a core withbristles projecting multi-directionally from the core.

FIG. 43 illustrates variations of the head 4210 and bristle design. Forexample, the head 4210 can be a twist wire brush, a cylinder brush, orsimilarly-shaped device made of a rubbery material. The core can benon-bendable or can be bendable for users to adjust the shape of thedevice.

FIG. 44 depicts variations of the tip 4215 of the head 4210. Forexample, the tip 4215 can include a plastic cap at the end of the head4210. The tip 4215 can include additional bristles continuing along andaround the head 4210, for example. The tip 4215 can include a differentmaterial from the material used in the bristles 4217 to provide adifferent contact surface and cleaning structure from the primarybristles 4217 in the head 4210, for example.

FIG. 45 shows examples of variations of an angle or bend that can beincorporated in the head 4210 to facilitate cleaning. The neck 4220connects the head 4210 to the handle 4230. In certain embodiments, theneck 4220 can be bendable and slightly flexible. FIG. 46 demonstratesvariation of the neck 4220. The head 4210 and neck 4220 of the OCCD 4200can be bent by a user to achieve comfort and/or efficiency of the user'schoosing. Examples of some bends are shown in FIG. 47.

In certain embodiments, the handle 4230 can be straight or curved forthe ease of the user, as seen in commercially available toothbrushes.

In certain embodiments, the wire portion of the head 4210 can includeplastic shields or coating to reduce discomfort and/or to protect teethor soft tissue from contact by the wire, for example.

In operation, the OCCD 4200 can be used to clean various areas of anoral cavity, including but not limited to the interdental areas. Unlikeavailable interdental brushes, the OCCD 4200 covers more areas than asingle interdental area (see, for example, the brush and toothillustrations in FIG. 45). The OCCD 4200 can also cover various parts ofthe oral cavity such as cheek tissue, teeth, and gum simultaneously.

When the OCCD 4200 is compared to a conventional toothbrush that has aplastic head with vertically projecting bristles on only one side of thehead, the OCCD's built-in flexibility from a twisted wire head helpsminimize damage to the teeth, such as cervical abrasion of the teeth.

Multi-Stiffness Brush

Certain embodiments provide a multi-stiffness brush. The brush includesa core and projections from the core that extend multi-directionallyfrom the core. Examples include but are not limited to a twisted wirebrush. Bristles (or projections) can be cut selectively in such a waythat the brush provides surfaces with different degrees of flexibilityand stiffness of the bristles. FIG. 48 illustrates a brush 4800 having acore 4810 and bristles 4815 extending from the core 4810 in accordancewith an embodiment. FIG. 48 demonstrates an orientation of the brush4800. FIG. 49 shows some examples of brush cross-sections to demonstratevarying lengths, thicknesses, and orientations. The brush, for example,can be used to clean different parts of the oral cavity such as teeth,tongue, cheek, palate, and gum more efficiently because it has differentstiffness, length, etc., built-in.

In certain embodiments, a multi-length/multi-stiffness brush can beapplied to one or more of the embodiments discussed above.

Examples shown herein are provided only to illustrate and explaincertain embodiments of the present invention. There can be other ways toaccomplish the same goal that fall within the scope of the presentinvention, and examples shown are not meant to limit the devices andmethods to realize the invention.

As a further example, one or more of the embodiments described below maybe implemented separately and/or in combination to provide a cleaningdevice for a mouth including teeth, gums, tongue, cheek, and orthodonticappliance. Several design alternatives are described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/559,265, filed on Nov. 13, 2006, which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

The foregoing description of embodiments of the invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of theabove teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principalsof the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled inthe art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments disclosedherein may be applied to the formation of a variety of oral cleaningdevices. Certain features of the embodiments of the claimed subjectmatter have been illustrated as described herein; however, manymodifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur tothose skilled in the art. Additionally, while several device componentsand relationships between device components have been described indetail, it is contemplated by those of skill in the art that several ofthe described components and/or embodiments may be combined and/or usedapart from other components and/or embodiments, and/or that additionalfeatures and/or relationships between features may be established andstill be in accordance with the claimed subject matter. It is,therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended tocover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spiritof the embodiments of the claimed subject matter.

1. A mouth cleaning device, said device comprising: a handle portion for maneuvering the mouth cleaning device in an oral cavity; and a cleaning head portion attached to the handle portion, wherein said cleaning head includes a first cleaning element having a rigid central core and a plurality of radially positioned cleaning projections; a second cleaning element having a rigid central core and a plurality of radially positioned cleaning projections, wherein said cleaning head is positioned so that said cleaning projections of said first and second cleaning elements contact both a cheek location on the user's cheek, and a portion of at least one of the user's teeth or gums proximal to said teeth location to allow a user to clean both cheek and at least one of teeth or gums at the same time.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said first cleaning element is substantially parallel to said second cleaning element.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein said first cleaning element is joined to said second cleaning.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein said first cleaning element is joined to said second cleaning element by an additional cleaning element positioned substantially perpendicular to at least one of said first cleaning element and said second cleaning element.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein said cleaning head is positioned so that said cleaning projections of said first and second cleaning elements contact both a tongue location on the user's tongue and a portion of at least one of the user's teeth or gums proximal to said tongue location to allow a user to clean both tongue and at least one of teeth or gums at the same time.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the cleaning head portion is arranged at an angle to the handle portion.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein said cleaning projections have a plurality of lengths.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the cleaning projections oriented toward the users teeth or gums are shorter than the cleaning projections oriented toward the user's cheek.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of cleaning projections comprise bristles at least in part.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein said cleaning elements are of a plurality of lengths.
 11. A toothbrush comprising: an elongated handle; and a cleaning head connected to a said handle, wherein said cleaning head includes: a first cleaning element having a first rigid central core and a plurality of radially positioned cleaning projections, wherein said first rigid central core is oriented substantially parallel to said elongated handle; and a second cleaning element having a second rigid central core and a plurality of radially positioned cleaning projections, wherein said second rigid central core is oriented relative to said first rigid central core at an angle other than parallel and in contact with said first cleaning element.
 12. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein said first central core is oriented substantially perpendicularly to said second central core.
 13. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein said first central core is connected to said second central core by the central core of a third cleaning element having a plurality of cleaning projections.
 14. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein said first cleaning element and said second cleaning elements are different portions of a single cleaning element strucutre.
 15. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein said plurality of cleaning projections bristles at least in part.
 16. The toothbrush of claim 11, wherein said first cleaning element is different length from said second cleaning element.
 17. The toothbrush of claim 13, wherein said first, second, and third cleaning elements are configured is substantially a U-shape.
 18. An oral cleaning device, the device comprising: a handle; a cleaning head connected to said handle, wherein said cleaning head includes: a first cleaning element having a first substantially rigid central core and a plurality of radially positioned cleaning projections, wherein said substantially rigid central core is oriented substantially parallel to said elongated handle; a second cleaning element having a second substantially rigid central core and a plurality of radially positioned cleaning projections, wherein said second substantially rigid central core is oriented substantially parallel to said first cleaning element; and a third cleaning element having a third substantially rigid central core and a plurality of radially positioned cleaning projections, wherein said third substantially rigid central core extends between said first cleaning element and said second cleaning element at a point distal from said handle.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein said cleaning projections have a plurality of lengths.
 20. The device of claim 18, wherein said cleaning projections comprise bristles at least in part. 